Blog | Language, Learning and Culture

Reasons to Learn Italian

Italian is a famously colorful language filled with emotion and vocal inflection, complemented with grand nonverbal gestures. The reason for such charismatic expression is due to the electric culture that created this romantic language. As a people with great passion for art, food, cultural heritage and entertainment, Italians are truly a group of the world's people who know how to live life to the fullest.

In addition to the robust and exciting Italian culture, we picked our top reasons why you should learn Italian.

Travel to Rome

Throughout the world there are ancient ruins for travelers to marvel. However some of the most fascinating are found in Rome, home to arguably the most powerful civilization yet in human history. Large structures of the former Roman Forum still stand today, reminding us of the prominence this highly regarded gathering place was for Romans as a marketplace and center for socialization. Nearby stands the Colosseum, the massive amphitheater that could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. Fantastic gladiator matches took place within the Colosseum walls, and touring the space brings an air of splendor and wonder of how many events must have taken place so many years ago.

Heightened Architectural Understanding

Italian, especially Roman, architecture is responsible for much of history's design revolutions. The Trevi Fountain for example is one of the world's largest and most famous baroque style fountains, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and stands a commanding 86 ft tall and 161 ft wide. The Pantheon, also known as a temple for the gods, is a breathtaking domed structure built between AD 118 – 125, and still holds church services today. Understanding Italian can assist in truly experiencing these splendors, as mounts nearby explaining their history are available in Italian. Not to mention you will be surrounded by Italians and able to converse about the structure you are experiencing.

Art History

Throughout the world there are magnificent artists who have influenced all that we deem beautiful, but few countries have produced and influenced as many of the world's greats as Italy. Home of the Vatican, Popes have long encouraged great works of art to accompany religious practices as offerings and adornments for spiritual purposes. Some of Italian-born Michelangelo's greatest works reside in the Vatican such as the Pieta, a somber and moving sculpture of the Mother Mary holding the limp and broken body of Jesus Christ. And of course within the Sistine Chapel is his expansive paintings across the great ceiling and down the massive back of the chapel, depicting Biblical stories throughout and ending with what he envisioned as the rapture. Still other Italian artists with significant influence include Leonardo Di Vinci, Raphael, Donatello and Sandro Botticelli, all of whose works can be even more appreciated with an understanding of Italian.

When asked a favorite type of food, many Americans quickly offer pizza as number one. Where better to appreciate pizza than in the country where pizza was born? Travelers from North America note great differences in not only the taste, but the style of eating pizza that comes in Italy. The marinara sauces most commonly found lack many of the spices used in the States, providing a clean, pure and simply delicious taste to the sauce. Because of this other flavors can be enjoyed, as meats such as prosciutto or vegetables like peas are common in Italian pizzas. Still further is the type of crust used for Italian pizza – a thinner more delicate crust uncut into triangular slices. Rather restaurant goers are provided with a fork and knife, with which they cut into the pizza more like a steak. Given the great variety of pizza flavors, understanding Italian will help you order all kinds of styles so that you can truly experience the range of flavor sensations native Italians enjoy.

Still further is gelato, the Italian dairy based dessert similar to ice cream. There is nothing better on a hot Italian day than a cone of gelato, a custard-like ice cream often served in cones or bowls with a spoon. Favorite flavors range just like ice cream, like chocolate, strawberry, vanilla or caramel. May we suggest trying chocolate and caramel in a cone while speaking Italian on a shade covered bench in southern Italy?

The Culture of Relaxation and Espresso

Although the art, architecture, rich history and cuisine of Italy are enough reason to learn the language, the relaxed culture can stand alone as a reason to learn Italian. Here in the United States, we have grown accustom to a lifestyle on-the-go, fast-paced, and always with a plan in place. In Italy however, life runs a little more slowly. It is typical for businesspeople to arrive late to meetings, and it is perfectly acceptable. Try showing up late for a meeting in the U.S or most other western cultures and be prepared for a stern rebuke!

Yet as an interesting juxtaposition to the relaxed slowed pace Italians enjoy, coffee and espresso are an inherent necessity built firmly into the foundation of culture. Every meal is followed by an espresso. Each morning begins with a cup of coffee. Italians cherish their caffeinated delights, and use gathering around espresso as a reason to gather with friends and catch up on the happenings of life.

Yet as an interesting juxtaposition to the relaxed slowed pace Italians enjoy, coffee and espresso are an inherent necessity built firmly into the foundation of culture. Every meal is followed by an espresso. Each morning begins with a cup of coffee. Italians cherish their caffeinated delights, and use gathering around espresso as a reason to gather with friends and catch up on the happenings of life.